The idiom "live off of" means to use someone or something as the primary source of what one needs to survive, such as money, food, or other resources.

In short:

• It means to rely on someone or something as the main source of survival.
• It can be positive or negative, depending on the context and the attitude of the speaker.

What Does "Live Off Of" Mean?

The phrase "live off of" means to get what one needs to survive from someone or something. For example, one can live off of a salary, a pension, a trust fund, or a donation. One can also "live off of" someone else by counting on their generosity, kindness, or work.

Where Does "Live Off Of" Come From?

The idiom "live off of" is derived from the older expression "live off the fat of the land," which means to enjoy the best of everything or live in comfort or luxury. This expression comes from the Bible, used in Genesis 45:18 to describe the land of Egypt that Joseph offered to his brothers. The phrase became more common in the 20th century, especially in American English, where it is often used with "of" after "off."

10 Examples of "Live Off Of" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

• She lives off of her passion and writes novels day in and day out.
• He's a scrub. He lives off of his parents' money and doesn't work.
• No mean feat. He quit his job and lived off of his savings for a year.
• Holy cow! He can live off of his music royalties for the rest of his life.
• Real talk: Many young unemployed people still live off of their parents.
• He lives off of his fame and gets invited to front-row seats at any event.
• No diggity. She had to live off of canned food and water during the storm.
• He lives off of his charity and helps those in need. He's one with good souls.
• It's been years, and she lives off of her husband's pension after he passed away.
• They live off of the land and grow their crops. That's why they are always well-supplied.

Examples of "Live Off Of" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

• In the movie "The Big Lebowski," the main character, known as The Dude, is a slacker who "lives off of" a small inheritance from his family and spends his time bowling and drinking.
• In the TV show "Friends," Joey Tribbiani is an aspiring actor who often "lives off of" his roommate Chandler Bing's generosity and support.
• In the song "Live Off The Land" by Justin Townes Earle, the singer expresses his desire to live a simple life away from the city and society.
• In the book "Into The Wild," by Jon Krakauer, the author tells the true story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who left his family and possessions behind and tried to "live off of" nature in Alaska.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Live Off Of"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

• Live on
• Live by
• Live at
• Live from

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Live Off Of"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

• What does "live off of" mean?

The idiom "live off of" means to use someone or something as the primary source of what one needs to survive, such as money, food, or other resources.

• What is the origin of the phrase "live off of"?

The idiom "live off of" is derived from the older expression "live off the fat of the land," which means to enjoy the best of everything or live in comfort or luxury. This expression comes from the Bible, used in Genesis 45:18 to describe the land of Egypt that Joseph offered to his brothers.

• Is it correct to say "live off" or "live off of"?

Both forms are correct and widely used in American English. However, some people prefer "live off" without "of," as they consider it more concise and grammatical. In British English, "live off" is more common than "live off of."

• What is the difference between "live off" and "live on"?
  

Both idioms mean to use something as one's primary source of what one needs to survive, but they have slightly different nuances. "Live off" can imply that one is taking advantage of someone or something or not contributing anything in return. "Live on" can mean managing with a limited or insufficient amount of something or being content with a simple or modest lifestyle.

• What is the opposite of "live off of"?

There is no exact opposite of "live off of," but some possible antonyms are: live for, live by, live up to, live within, live without, or live independently.

• How do you use "live off of" in a question?

You can use "live off of" in a question by following the same word order as in a statement, but adding a question mark at the end.

Example: How do you live off of your savings?

• How do you use "live off of" in a negative sentence?

You can use "live off of" in a negative sentence by adding "not" before the verb "live" or by using a modal verb like "can," "will," or "should" with "not."

Example: They should not live off of their friends.

• How do you use "live off of" in a future tense sentence?

You can use "live off of" in a future tense sentence by adding a modal verb like "will," "shall," or "would" before the verb "live."

Example: She shall live off of her pension.

• How do you use "live off of" in a conditional sentence?

You can use "live off of" in a conditional sentence by using an if-clause with a modal verb like "could," "would," or "should," and a main clause with another modal verb.

Example: If he could live off of his art, he would be happy.

• How do you use "live off of" in a comparative sentence?

You can use "live off of" in a comparative sentence by using words like "better," "worse," "more," or "less" to compare two things or situations.

Example: It is better to live off of your own work than to live off of someone else's charity.

Final Thoughts About "Live Off Of"

The idiom "live off of" is a common and versatile expression that means to use someone or something as the primary source of what one needs to survive.

To summarize:

• It can be positive or negative, depending on the context and the speaker's attitude.
• It can be used in different forms and tenses.
• It can be used in different types of sentences.
• It has synonyms and alternative expressions.